Bring home the Dons

Congratulations to AFC Wimbledon for overcoming the last major political hurdle to bringing the Dons back to their spiritual home on Plough Lane.

At Thorncliffe, we’ve witnessed first-hand the passion the fans and others have displayed for this development, with so many getting involved in writing to the council, the (two) Mayors of London, and most recently the Secretary of State. It’s been an inspiration.

The timetable went as follows:

Last December, Merton Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the Club’s plans for a 20,000 seater stadium (initially 11,000) and 600 residential homes. This followed a thorough consultation process with thousands engaging in the process.

Despite favourable reports from the Mayor’s Office towards the scheme, the then Mayor of London decided to call in the application for review in March this year. In July, the new Mayor of London handed the decision back to Merton.

This week, following a request from Wandsworth Council to the Department of Communities and Local Government to intervene, the Secretary of State decided not to call in this application.

AFC Wimbledon has enjoyed an astonishing rise since starting again in the ninth tier of English football in 2002. This master plan aims to cater for growing support as Wimbledon progress up the Football League. We wish them well.